US and Iran Play Nuclear Chicken with Oman as Peace Referee
KEY POINTS
- â˘The US and Iran met for the third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on February 26, 2026.
- â˘Oman continued its neutral role by mediating the talks amid escalating US military presence in the Middle East.
- â˘Iran warned of retaliation including attacks on Israel if the talks fail and military strikes occur.
In a stunning plot twist that screams "third time's a charm," the US and Iran resumed their nuclear negotiations on February 26, 2026, in Geneva. These talks, shockingly still mediated by Omanâyes, the tiny Gulf nation playing taxi driver for superpowersâoccur as US warships lounge in the Middle East like they're waiting for brunch. Since June 2025, after the US teamed up with Israel in a spectacularly timed bombing spree on Iran's nuclear sites, conversations have stumbled more than a clumsy waiter. Sitting solemnly around the table: Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, probably hoping to avoid another regional firecracker. Iranâs also waving 'retaliation' flags and prepping a pointed greeting card for Israel, while everyone collectively holds their breath wondering if diplomacy or missiles will impress more.
Share the Story
Nothing says 'peace talks' like backdrop warship parties and a mediator juggling flaming swords in the middle of a fireworks show nobody invited to.
Usual peace talks update: bomb first, negotiate later, and hope Omanâs playing referee instead of grill master.
Watching Oman trying to keep peace between US and Iran is like a hamster babysitting a pack of wolves all hopped up on caffeine.
Source: Theguardian | Published: 2/26/2026 | Author: Lucy Campbell (now); Tom Ambrose and Taz Ali (earlier)
More Articles in World News
Arizona Mansion Includes Shark Tank, Because Owning a Pool Is Too Mainstream
Big Tech Promises To Pay Its Own Electric Bill Because Paying Rent Is So 1999
Middle Aged Billionaires and Royals Play Epsteinsâ Ultimate âWho Dined With Him?â
Iran Rejects Dismantling Nukes, Trumpâs Envoys Left Crying in Geneva Lobby
Woman Moves to Ecuador for 'Short Time,' Accidentally Clocks Seven Years of Adulting
WEF CEO Steps Down After Discovering Epstein Dinners Aren't Networking Events
White House Demands Iran Behave Forever or Else, Because Why Not?
France Bars Kushner For Skipping Meeting, Diplomacy Moves To Ghost Mode
